January 20, 2020
Dear Brynn,
I always feel a great sense of responsibility to my great grandmother, my grandparents, my hard working parents, and the young 442 soldiers who gave their lives that I might have the good life I enjoy today.
I remember my grandmother who came to America as a picture bride to marry my grandfather in San Francisco. Her mother sacrificed and allowed her daughter, her only child, to come to live in America and start a family. It was a great sacrifice for her but she gave her blessing and said a prayer that God would bless her children and families in the future. Grandma had 3 sons, and 4 daughters. With 4 generations of children as a result Grandma’s family grew to a great number. From one daughter going to America and the family into 4-5 generations is mind-boggling!!
My mind and heart always have a spot to never forget but to remember the young 442 sons who went into battle during WW2 to show America we Japanese Americans were good, loyal American citizens! They gave the extreme sacrifice of their lives. The majority were only 17, 18, 19 years old! They never got to go to college, marry, have and raise a family!! It is very important to me to tell their story of sacrifice for me!